Jimmy Chitwood
Hall of Famer
1st team offense:
QB Matt Leinart, Sr. USC: 'nough said. this guy is the best.
C Greg Eslinger, Sr. Minn: Selected to the 2005 Playboy All-America Team, the second consecutive season he has earned that prestigious honor - named a preseason All-American by Athlon, Lindy's and Street & Smith's - rated the No. 1 center in the country by Lindy's - has been named to the 2005 Rimington Trophy, Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award watch lists.
G Mark Setterstrom, Sr. Minn: Has established himself as one of the top guards in the nation - received preseason All-America recognition by Street & Smith's. Junior season named to Rivals.com All-America team.
G Matt Lentz, Sr. Mich: Lentz is probably the strongest and most durable player in Ann Arbor. He boasts a string of 25 consecutive starts at right guard for the Wolverines, and has played in 34 games in his career at Michigan. In 2004, Lentz was voted to the All-Big Ten team by the coaches.
T Eric Winston, Jr. Miami: Fully recovered from a 2004 knee injury and is ready to reclaim his position as the best offensive tackle in college football...Member of numerous 2005 preseason All-America teams, including Playboy...All-American candidate in 2004 whose season was cut short by a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the fourth game. A dominating presence in the line who matured into perhaps the team's most vocal leader.
T Daryn Colledge, Sr. Boise St: Named to the 2005 Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List and the Outland Trophy Watch List...Named preseason second-team All-America and first-team All-WAC by Athlon Sports and honorable mention All-America and first-team All-WAC by Street & Smith's. Selected first team All-American by CollegeSportsReports.com. Ran a 4.93 40.
TE Zach Miller, Soph. Arizona St: Dynamic young player who returns to the field after a sensational freshman year...earned second-team All-America honors last season, just one of four freshmen in the nation to earn first- or second-team accolades. Shattered ASU's freshman receiving records last year. Was nicknamed "The Truth" by his teammates for living up to the hype that tabbed him the No. 1 tight end prospect in the nation coming out of high school.
WR Eric Deslauriers, Jr. East. Mich: 84 catches, 1257 yards, 15.0ypc, 13touchdowns, 114.3 ypg. to rank fourth in the nation in receiving yards-per-game and fifth in catches-per-game. Scored 26 points in a single game last season.
WR Mike Hass, Sr. Oregon St: He was the offense for most of last year with 86 catches, 1379 yards, 16.0 ypc, 7 touchdowns. F<FONT face=Tahoma>inished third in the nation and first in the Pac-10 for receiving yards per game at 114.9. Set a conference record with 293 yards at Boise State. Named OSU's Offensive MVP. There are few better route runners, and no one has better hands.
RB Tre Smith, Jr. Auburn: First featured white tailback in the SEC since i've been watching. Missed last season due to injury. As true frosh, was only rusher to go for over 100 yards against Bama in 2002, gaining 126 yards on 25 carries. Owns high school's record in 100 meters.
RB Dan Burks, Jr. UAB: Finished excellent season for the Blazers as he totalled 880 yards with four rushing touchdowns. Averaged 5.4 yards per carry. Earned third-team All-Conference USA recognition.
1st team defense:
DL Kyle Williams, Sr. LSU: Williams should be a good, first day draft choice. He's tough and strong with a non-stop motor and good quickness on the interior. He's a rock against the run and is great at getting into the backfield. He'll make several All-America teams by the end of the season and will be the leader of what should be a great Tiger D.
DL Jesse Mahelona, Sr. Tenn: Mahelona came in from the JUCO ranks and immediately dominated as a tremendous interior pass rusher and anchor of the line. His experience turned into a godsend for the young line becoming the focus of everyone's blocking scheme. He's a smart player with the athleticism of a defensive end.
DL Dusty Dvoracek, Sr. OK: An all-star and top pro prospect in 2003, the 298-pound senior was kicked off the team last year and underwent counseling for alcohol issues. Back in the mix this spring, he showed that he intends to be every bit the player he was when he left before tearing a bicep. Once he shakes all the rust off, he'll be an All-Big XII performer once again.
LB A.J. Hawk, Sr. Ohio St: Hawk likely would've been a first round draft pick had he left school a year early. A tackling machine with 273 career stops with 24.5 tackles for loss and six interceptions, the 238-pound Hawk ripped off a 4.46 40-yard dash time proving that he doesn't just look fast when chasing down ball-carriers. In a good year for college football linebackers, Hawk will be at the head of the class with his tremendous instincts, production and toughness.
LB Chad Greenway, Sr. Iowa: Greenway went from being a good tackler to a great all-around player with three interceptions and another defensive back in pass coverage. He never, ever missed a one-on-one tackle and is strong at shedding blocks and stopping the run.
LB Spencer Havner, Sr. UCLA: Havner was a one-man-gang last year cleaning up everything the line couldn't take care of. He could've left for the NFL and been a third-round draft pick, but he came back to give the Bruins one of the nation's best linebackers, and to try to get a little bit bigger and faster. While not a blazer, he's more than quick enough in traffic to make plays and is tough as nails against the run.
LB Tim McGarigle, Sr. Northwestern: Nation's top returning tackler. Named to numerous preseason award watch lists: Rotary Lombardi (top lineman/linebacker), Chuck Bednarik (top defensive player), Dick Butkus (linebacker) and Ronnie Lott (defensive IMPACT). Tabbed one of TSN's three "Biggest Hitters" in its "Clutch Players" section. Designated by Street & Smith's as the Big Ten player with the "Best Instincts." At his best when things aren't going well and the defense needs a lift.
DB Jaxson Appel, Sr. Texas A&M: Appel, a preseason first-team All-America selection, was also named to the watch list last season. He is also on the watch list for the 2005 Chuck Bednarik Defensive Player of the Year Award. An All-Big 12 selection by The Associated Press last season, Appel needs nine tackles to become the school's all-time tackles leader for a defensive back. Appel has 289 stops and could join former All-Americans Dat Nguyen and Ed Simioni as A&M's only three-time tackle leaders.
DB Eric Weddle, Jr. Utah: The MWC's best safety and one of the best in the nation. On course for All-America honors since his freshman year. Named a first-team Freshman All-America cornerback in 2003. Best athlete and cover manon team. Plays corner in the nickel on slot receiver. Also all-conference candidate as punt returner.
DB Steven Gregory, Sr. 'Cuse: Moving back to corner after year at wide receiver. Despite playing just two seasons at corner already ranks fifth on SU's career passes defended list with 35, and is fourth on the pass break-ups record chart with 31.A Freshman All-American by The Sporting News. Ranked fifth nationally, and first among freshmen, in passes defended with 21, including two interceptions and 19 breakups. Total was second-highest single-season passes defended in SU history. Acknowledged as fastest player on team.
DB Jeff Backes, Sr. Northwestern: Tabbed the Anson Mount Scholar-Athlete by Playboy magazine. Attempting to become a three-time Academic All-America. A gifted athlete, acknowledged the best on the team since he stepped on campus, the move to cornerback was the second position change for him since coming to NU. Has moved from running back to wide receiver to the defensive secondary. His outstanding speed and leaping abilities provide him the physical tools to be a solid defensive performer. Continues to get better with experience. Great mind for the game. Northwestern's career leader in kickoff return average.
1st teams special teams
PK Mason Crosby, Jr. CU: The near unanimous selection for preseason first-team All-America honors at placekicker, he is a unanimous preseason all-Big 12 selection and is one of the favorites for the Lou Groza Award. He enters his junior year already third in field goals made at Colorado (26), and is tied for 21st in scoring and is tied for sixth in kick scoring (137 points). He is 26-of-32 in field goals made, not including bowl games, 15-for-15 from 40 yards in
P Tom Malone, Sr. USC: Malone has a career average of 44.5 yards per kick and will be on the short list for the Ray Guy Award. He can do it all from placement to airing it out. Named to pre-season Playboy All-American team for second consecutive year
KR Jeff Backes, Sr. Northwestern: see above
PR Danny Amendola, Soph.Tex Tech: All-Big 12 Conference First Team return specialist. Finished the season with 29 punt returns for 371 yards and a touchdown. Averaged 12.8 yards per return, most yards per return at Tech by a freshman since Tyrone Thurman's 13.5 yards in 1985. Total also ranks as seventh single-season best at Tech, bettering those of former Red Raider and NCAA punt return record holder Wes Welker during his freshman season.
2nd team offense
QB Drew Tate, Jr. Iowa: Without any running game to rely on and an untested group of receivers to throw to, Tate still had a magnificent season and was the most valuable player in the Big Ten throwing for 2,786 yards and 20 touchdowns and ran for two scores.
C Mike Degory, Jr.Florida: Two-time selection to Rimington Trophy Watch list (2003 and 2004). All-SEC Second Team-Coaches' and AP in 2004. All-SEC Second Team-Coaches' and AP in 2003. Named UF's "Outstanding Offensive Lineman" in both 2003 and 2004. Earned a spot on The Sporting News Freshman All-America team in 2002
G Kory Lichtensteiger, Soph. Bowling Green: Named Freshman All-American by the FWAAA.
G Kyle Ralph, Jr. UNC: The team's best blocker, Ralph is an All-ACC performer who didn't allow a sack last year. He's great on the move and good at springing big runs.
T Ryan O'Callaghan, Sr. Cal: Emerged as one of the nation's finest offensive tackles last year and may be in line for 2005 All-America consideration.
T Travis Leffew, Sr. Louisville: Three-year letterwinner at offensive tackle andhas started a school record 38 straight games. Named third team All-America by the Associated Press and was a second team honoree by CNNSI.com. Voted first team All-Conference USA
TE Jeff King, Sr. Va Tech: King suffered from playing in the same conference, and the same state, as Virginia's Heath Miller. Now King should be in the mix for All-America honors and the Mackey Award with baby soft hands that always comes up with the big catch
WR Todd Blythe, Soph. ISU: An extremely physical, talented wide receiver who had a breakout freshman campaign and became one of the best scoring threats in the Big 12 Conference. Set school record with nine touchdown receptions. Led the team in receiving yards, average per catch and touchdowns. First team all-Big 12 (2004, espn.com, Dallas Morning News).
WR David Anderson, Sr. CSU: 57 catches, 940yards, 16.5 ypc 2touchdowns, 85.5 ypg. Physical and fast, Anderson has been the lone receiving threat for the Rams for the past two seasons
RB Kyle Bell, Soph. CSU: A big bruising back (6'2", 225)with speed (4.5 40) ran for over 8,000 yards in high school
RB Peyton Hillis, Soph. Arkansas: A freak of nature. Combines fullback size with tailback speed. The Hogs will use Hillis in a variety of ways, at tailback, fullback, H-back, in the slot, where ever, trying to get the ball in his hands as much as possible. One of the nation's top recruits, he rushed for 2,631 yards and 29 touchdowns, including nine touchdowns of more than 55 yards, on 261 carries for an average of 10.1 yards per carry in his senior season. His 2,631 yards was the second highest single-season total in Class AAAAA history
2nd team defense
DL John Syptak, Sr. Rice: Talented athlete who should be one of the top defensive players in Conference USA in 2005... High-energy player who has made an impact on the Owl defense since his freshman season
DL Pat Massey, Sr. Mich: Has played in 36 career games and made 21 starts at defensive end. Registered 28 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, four sacks and three pass breakups during career. Can play both defensive end and defensive tackle.
DL Devan Long, Sr. Oregon: Known for his ability to pressure the quarterback, has worked to improve his ability to hold his own at the line of scrimmage.
DL Garrett McIntyre, Sr. Fresno St: One of the WAC's greatest success stories, McIntyre walked-on to Fresno State and has grown into one of the league's top players. He can be a quick, undersized tackle or a 260-pound physical end. He's a fantastic pass rusher with 18 career sacks.
LB Will Derting, Sr. Wash. St: On the short list for the Butkus Award, Derting is tough as nails in the middle making 225 career tackles with 14.5 sacks and 30.5 tackles for loss. He's a huge hitter with great range against the run and tremendous instincts for getting into the backfield at the right time.
LB Korey Hall, Jr. Boise St: Named preseason honorable mention All-America and first-team All-WAC by Street & Smith's and first-team All-WAC by Athlon Sports. Named to the 2005 Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List , the 2005 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List, the 2005 Butkus Award Watch List, and the 2005 Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List. Named the nation's 12th-best inside linebacker by The Sporting News
LB Brian Toal, Soph. BC: One of the most coveted recruits in BC football history, Toal lived up to his billing, earning 2004 Big East Rookie of the Year honors. Also gained Freshman All-America honors from The Sporting News
DB Tom Zbikowski, Jr. Notre Dame: Playmaking safety who returns for his second season as a starter in 2005. Also could help the Irish as a punt return man. Intelligent player who raises the level of performance of those around him. Solid tackler who also has good coverage skills.
DB Ben Stratton, Sr. CSU: Moved to safety after hissophomore year (where he started all 13 games). Combines great size (6-2, 207) with fluid hips and above average cover skills. The move to safety has allowed him to make a lot more plays all over the field despite being the Rams best cover guy at the time of the move.
DB Sabby Piscitelli, Jr. Oreg. St: One of the best safeties on the West Coast. Arguably the quickest player on the team. Possesses excellent cover skills as well as being a force against the run.
DB Will Herring, Jr. Auburn: Second on the team with 61 tackles. Has started 24 consecutive games. Named first-team Freshman All-SEC by The Sporting News and the coachesin 2003and tied for the team lead with three interceptions
2nd team special teams
PK Andrew Wellock, Jr. East. Mich: 21-23 FGs, 32-33 extra points ... One of the nation's best kickers, Wellock only missed two field goals including six of seven from beyond 40 yards. He has a huge leg with a 52-yard bomb to his credit.
P Brandon Fields, Jr. Mich. St: If he isn't the nation's best punter, he isn't far off after leading the nation with a 47.9-yard average putting 13 inside the 20. He's 6-6 and 235 pounds with a monster leg
KR Chase Anastasio, Jr. Notre Dame: Speedy receiver/return man who will contend for a primary role in both areas this season. Was one of the team's regulars on kickoff returns last season
PR Hoost Marsh, Soph. Wyoming: Hoost Marsh returns as the First Team All-Mountain West Conference punt returner in 2005
Receivers to note: Johnny Quinn-North Texas, Nate Morton-Wake Forest, Kyle Ingraham-Purdue, Ed Hinkle-Iowa, Scott Mayle-Ohio, Chad Schroeder-Texas A&M
Defensive backs to note: Andrew Pace-corner Vanderbilt, Nate Soelberg-corner BYU, Josh Golden- corner Arizona State, Jamie Gasparella-corner Brown, Dustin Lopez-corner Memphis
Please discuss, 'cause i may have missed someone, or maybe i should have changed 'em around a little bit. Hope you enjoyEdited by: Don Wassall
QB Matt Leinart, Sr. USC: 'nough said. this guy is the best.
C Greg Eslinger, Sr. Minn: Selected to the 2005 Playboy All-America Team, the second consecutive season he has earned that prestigious honor - named a preseason All-American by Athlon, Lindy's and Street & Smith's - rated the No. 1 center in the country by Lindy's - has been named to the 2005 Rimington Trophy, Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award watch lists.
G Mark Setterstrom, Sr. Minn: Has established himself as one of the top guards in the nation - received preseason All-America recognition by Street & Smith's. Junior season named to Rivals.com All-America team.
G Matt Lentz, Sr. Mich: Lentz is probably the strongest and most durable player in Ann Arbor. He boasts a string of 25 consecutive starts at right guard for the Wolverines, and has played in 34 games in his career at Michigan. In 2004, Lentz was voted to the All-Big Ten team by the coaches.
T Eric Winston, Jr. Miami: Fully recovered from a 2004 knee injury and is ready to reclaim his position as the best offensive tackle in college football...Member of numerous 2005 preseason All-America teams, including Playboy...All-American candidate in 2004 whose season was cut short by a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the fourth game. A dominating presence in the line who matured into perhaps the team's most vocal leader.
T Daryn Colledge, Sr. Boise St: Named to the 2005 Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List and the Outland Trophy Watch List...Named preseason second-team All-America and first-team All-WAC by Athlon Sports and honorable mention All-America and first-team All-WAC by Street & Smith's. Selected first team All-American by CollegeSportsReports.com. Ran a 4.93 40.
TE Zach Miller, Soph. Arizona St: Dynamic young player who returns to the field after a sensational freshman year...earned second-team All-America honors last season, just one of four freshmen in the nation to earn first- or second-team accolades. Shattered ASU's freshman receiving records last year. Was nicknamed "The Truth" by his teammates for living up to the hype that tabbed him the No. 1 tight end prospect in the nation coming out of high school.
WR Eric Deslauriers, Jr. East. Mich: 84 catches, 1257 yards, 15.0ypc, 13touchdowns, 114.3 ypg. to rank fourth in the nation in receiving yards-per-game and fifth in catches-per-game. Scored 26 points in a single game last season.
WR Mike Hass, Sr. Oregon St: He was the offense for most of last year with 86 catches, 1379 yards, 16.0 ypc, 7 touchdowns. F<FONT face=Tahoma>inished third in the nation and first in the Pac-10 for receiving yards per game at 114.9. Set a conference record with 293 yards at Boise State. Named OSU's Offensive MVP. There are few better route runners, and no one has better hands.
RB Tre Smith, Jr. Auburn: First featured white tailback in the SEC since i've been watching. Missed last season due to injury. As true frosh, was only rusher to go for over 100 yards against Bama in 2002, gaining 126 yards on 25 carries. Owns high school's record in 100 meters.
RB Dan Burks, Jr. UAB: Finished excellent season for the Blazers as he totalled 880 yards with four rushing touchdowns. Averaged 5.4 yards per carry. Earned third-team All-Conference USA recognition.
1st team defense:
DL Kyle Williams, Sr. LSU: Williams should be a good, first day draft choice. He's tough and strong with a non-stop motor and good quickness on the interior. He's a rock against the run and is great at getting into the backfield. He'll make several All-America teams by the end of the season and will be the leader of what should be a great Tiger D.
DL Jesse Mahelona, Sr. Tenn: Mahelona came in from the JUCO ranks and immediately dominated as a tremendous interior pass rusher and anchor of the line. His experience turned into a godsend for the young line becoming the focus of everyone's blocking scheme. He's a smart player with the athleticism of a defensive end.
DL Dusty Dvoracek, Sr. OK: An all-star and top pro prospect in 2003, the 298-pound senior was kicked off the team last year and underwent counseling for alcohol issues. Back in the mix this spring, he showed that he intends to be every bit the player he was when he left before tearing a bicep. Once he shakes all the rust off, he'll be an All-Big XII performer once again.
LB A.J. Hawk, Sr. Ohio St: Hawk likely would've been a first round draft pick had he left school a year early. A tackling machine with 273 career stops with 24.5 tackles for loss and six interceptions, the 238-pound Hawk ripped off a 4.46 40-yard dash time proving that he doesn't just look fast when chasing down ball-carriers. In a good year for college football linebackers, Hawk will be at the head of the class with his tremendous instincts, production and toughness.
LB Chad Greenway, Sr. Iowa: Greenway went from being a good tackler to a great all-around player with three interceptions and another defensive back in pass coverage. He never, ever missed a one-on-one tackle and is strong at shedding blocks and stopping the run.
LB Spencer Havner, Sr. UCLA: Havner was a one-man-gang last year cleaning up everything the line couldn't take care of. He could've left for the NFL and been a third-round draft pick, but he came back to give the Bruins one of the nation's best linebackers, and to try to get a little bit bigger and faster. While not a blazer, he's more than quick enough in traffic to make plays and is tough as nails against the run.
LB Tim McGarigle, Sr. Northwestern: Nation's top returning tackler. Named to numerous preseason award watch lists: Rotary Lombardi (top lineman/linebacker), Chuck Bednarik (top defensive player), Dick Butkus (linebacker) and Ronnie Lott (defensive IMPACT). Tabbed one of TSN's three "Biggest Hitters" in its "Clutch Players" section. Designated by Street & Smith's as the Big Ten player with the "Best Instincts." At his best when things aren't going well and the defense needs a lift.
DB Jaxson Appel, Sr. Texas A&M: Appel, a preseason first-team All-America selection, was also named to the watch list last season. He is also on the watch list for the 2005 Chuck Bednarik Defensive Player of the Year Award. An All-Big 12 selection by The Associated Press last season, Appel needs nine tackles to become the school's all-time tackles leader for a defensive back. Appel has 289 stops and could join former All-Americans Dat Nguyen and Ed Simioni as A&M's only three-time tackle leaders.
DB Eric Weddle, Jr. Utah: The MWC's best safety and one of the best in the nation. On course for All-America honors since his freshman year. Named a first-team Freshman All-America cornerback in 2003. Best athlete and cover manon team. Plays corner in the nickel on slot receiver. Also all-conference candidate as punt returner.
DB Steven Gregory, Sr. 'Cuse: Moving back to corner after year at wide receiver. Despite playing just two seasons at corner already ranks fifth on SU's career passes defended list with 35, and is fourth on the pass break-ups record chart with 31.A Freshman All-American by The Sporting News. Ranked fifth nationally, and first among freshmen, in passes defended with 21, including two interceptions and 19 breakups. Total was second-highest single-season passes defended in SU history. Acknowledged as fastest player on team.
DB Jeff Backes, Sr. Northwestern: Tabbed the Anson Mount Scholar-Athlete by Playboy magazine. Attempting to become a three-time Academic All-America. A gifted athlete, acknowledged the best on the team since he stepped on campus, the move to cornerback was the second position change for him since coming to NU. Has moved from running back to wide receiver to the defensive secondary. His outstanding speed and leaping abilities provide him the physical tools to be a solid defensive performer. Continues to get better with experience. Great mind for the game. Northwestern's career leader in kickoff return average.
1st teams special teams
PK Mason Crosby, Jr. CU: The near unanimous selection for preseason first-team All-America honors at placekicker, he is a unanimous preseason all-Big 12 selection and is one of the favorites for the Lou Groza Award. He enters his junior year already third in field goals made at Colorado (26), and is tied for 21st in scoring and is tied for sixth in kick scoring (137 points). He is 26-of-32 in field goals made, not including bowl games, 15-for-15 from 40 yards in
P Tom Malone, Sr. USC: Malone has a career average of 44.5 yards per kick and will be on the short list for the Ray Guy Award. He can do it all from placement to airing it out. Named to pre-season Playboy All-American team for second consecutive year
KR Jeff Backes, Sr. Northwestern: see above
PR Danny Amendola, Soph.Tex Tech: All-Big 12 Conference First Team return specialist. Finished the season with 29 punt returns for 371 yards and a touchdown. Averaged 12.8 yards per return, most yards per return at Tech by a freshman since Tyrone Thurman's 13.5 yards in 1985. Total also ranks as seventh single-season best at Tech, bettering those of former Red Raider and NCAA punt return record holder Wes Welker during his freshman season.
2nd team offense
QB Drew Tate, Jr. Iowa: Without any running game to rely on and an untested group of receivers to throw to, Tate still had a magnificent season and was the most valuable player in the Big Ten throwing for 2,786 yards and 20 touchdowns and ran for two scores.
C Mike Degory, Jr.Florida: Two-time selection to Rimington Trophy Watch list (2003 and 2004). All-SEC Second Team-Coaches' and AP in 2004. All-SEC Second Team-Coaches' and AP in 2003. Named UF's "Outstanding Offensive Lineman" in both 2003 and 2004. Earned a spot on The Sporting News Freshman All-America team in 2002
G Kory Lichtensteiger, Soph. Bowling Green: Named Freshman All-American by the FWAAA.
G Kyle Ralph, Jr. UNC: The team's best blocker, Ralph is an All-ACC performer who didn't allow a sack last year. He's great on the move and good at springing big runs.
T Ryan O'Callaghan, Sr. Cal: Emerged as one of the nation's finest offensive tackles last year and may be in line for 2005 All-America consideration.
T Travis Leffew, Sr. Louisville: Three-year letterwinner at offensive tackle andhas started a school record 38 straight games. Named third team All-America by the Associated Press and was a second team honoree by CNNSI.com. Voted first team All-Conference USA
TE Jeff King, Sr. Va Tech: King suffered from playing in the same conference, and the same state, as Virginia's Heath Miller. Now King should be in the mix for All-America honors and the Mackey Award with baby soft hands that always comes up with the big catch
WR Todd Blythe, Soph. ISU: An extremely physical, talented wide receiver who had a breakout freshman campaign and became one of the best scoring threats in the Big 12 Conference. Set school record with nine touchdown receptions. Led the team in receiving yards, average per catch and touchdowns. First team all-Big 12 (2004, espn.com, Dallas Morning News).
WR David Anderson, Sr. CSU: 57 catches, 940yards, 16.5 ypc 2touchdowns, 85.5 ypg. Physical and fast, Anderson has been the lone receiving threat for the Rams for the past two seasons
RB Kyle Bell, Soph. CSU: A big bruising back (6'2", 225)with speed (4.5 40) ran for over 8,000 yards in high school
RB Peyton Hillis, Soph. Arkansas: A freak of nature. Combines fullback size with tailback speed. The Hogs will use Hillis in a variety of ways, at tailback, fullback, H-back, in the slot, where ever, trying to get the ball in his hands as much as possible. One of the nation's top recruits, he rushed for 2,631 yards and 29 touchdowns, including nine touchdowns of more than 55 yards, on 261 carries for an average of 10.1 yards per carry in his senior season. His 2,631 yards was the second highest single-season total in Class AAAAA history
2nd team defense
DL John Syptak, Sr. Rice: Talented athlete who should be one of the top defensive players in Conference USA in 2005... High-energy player who has made an impact on the Owl defense since his freshman season
DL Pat Massey, Sr. Mich: Has played in 36 career games and made 21 starts at defensive end. Registered 28 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, four sacks and three pass breakups during career. Can play both defensive end and defensive tackle.
DL Devan Long, Sr. Oregon: Known for his ability to pressure the quarterback, has worked to improve his ability to hold his own at the line of scrimmage.
DL Garrett McIntyre, Sr. Fresno St: One of the WAC's greatest success stories, McIntyre walked-on to Fresno State and has grown into one of the league's top players. He can be a quick, undersized tackle or a 260-pound physical end. He's a fantastic pass rusher with 18 career sacks.
LB Will Derting, Sr. Wash. St: On the short list for the Butkus Award, Derting is tough as nails in the middle making 225 career tackles with 14.5 sacks and 30.5 tackles for loss. He's a huge hitter with great range against the run and tremendous instincts for getting into the backfield at the right time.
LB Korey Hall, Jr. Boise St: Named preseason honorable mention All-America and first-team All-WAC by Street & Smith's and first-team All-WAC by Athlon Sports. Named to the 2005 Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List , the 2005 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List, the 2005 Butkus Award Watch List, and the 2005 Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List. Named the nation's 12th-best inside linebacker by The Sporting News
LB Brian Toal, Soph. BC: One of the most coveted recruits in BC football history, Toal lived up to his billing, earning 2004 Big East Rookie of the Year honors. Also gained Freshman All-America honors from The Sporting News
DB Tom Zbikowski, Jr. Notre Dame: Playmaking safety who returns for his second season as a starter in 2005. Also could help the Irish as a punt return man. Intelligent player who raises the level of performance of those around him. Solid tackler who also has good coverage skills.
DB Ben Stratton, Sr. CSU: Moved to safety after hissophomore year (where he started all 13 games). Combines great size (6-2, 207) with fluid hips and above average cover skills. The move to safety has allowed him to make a lot more plays all over the field despite being the Rams best cover guy at the time of the move.
DB Sabby Piscitelli, Jr. Oreg. St: One of the best safeties on the West Coast. Arguably the quickest player on the team. Possesses excellent cover skills as well as being a force against the run.
DB Will Herring, Jr. Auburn: Second on the team with 61 tackles. Has started 24 consecutive games. Named first-team Freshman All-SEC by The Sporting News and the coachesin 2003and tied for the team lead with three interceptions
2nd team special teams
PK Andrew Wellock, Jr. East. Mich: 21-23 FGs, 32-33 extra points ... One of the nation's best kickers, Wellock only missed two field goals including six of seven from beyond 40 yards. He has a huge leg with a 52-yard bomb to his credit.
P Brandon Fields, Jr. Mich. St: If he isn't the nation's best punter, he isn't far off after leading the nation with a 47.9-yard average putting 13 inside the 20. He's 6-6 and 235 pounds with a monster leg
KR Chase Anastasio, Jr. Notre Dame: Speedy receiver/return man who will contend for a primary role in both areas this season. Was one of the team's regulars on kickoff returns last season
PR Hoost Marsh, Soph. Wyoming: Hoost Marsh returns as the First Team All-Mountain West Conference punt returner in 2005
Receivers to note: Johnny Quinn-North Texas, Nate Morton-Wake Forest, Kyle Ingraham-Purdue, Ed Hinkle-Iowa, Scott Mayle-Ohio, Chad Schroeder-Texas A&M
Defensive backs to note: Andrew Pace-corner Vanderbilt, Nate Soelberg-corner BYU, Josh Golden- corner Arizona State, Jamie Gasparella-corner Brown, Dustin Lopez-corner Memphis
Please discuss, 'cause i may have missed someone, or maybe i should have changed 'em around a little bit. Hope you enjoyEdited by: Don Wassall
